Improved Sexual Performance through Yoga: Key Advantages Explored
Yo, there be plenty ol' blogs on the Interwebs makin' some big claims about yoga boostin' yer sex life. Folks share their tales of yogic joy - often saucy ones, too. But does science back it up? Let's dive in.
Nowadays, research ain't shy about explorin' yoga's numerous health perks, includin' ain't-so-sexy things like depression and stress, all the way up to metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and thyroid problems.
But what about the bedroom business? Modern science is startin' to uncover the secret erotic mechanisms behind this ancient practice. Turns out, yoga lowers the body's inflammation, dims the genetic stress switch, lowers cortisol, and boosts a protein that keeps the brain youthful. Sounds like a pretty good deal, huh?
So, can yoga's yummy poses improve yer sex life? Let's take a gander at the research.
Yoga gets the girls goin'
One study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine found that yoga can indeed pump up the volume on a woman's sex life, particularly if she's over 45. The researchers quizzed 40 ladies on their sexual function before and after 12 weeks of yoga, and voila! Their scores shot up across the board. Seventy-five percent of 'em reported a definite improvement.
These women were taught 22 yoga poses, or yogasanas, believed to make yer core strong, aid digestion, fortify the pelvic floor, and lift yer mood. Poses like trikonasana (the triangle), bhujangasana (the snake), and ardha matsyendra mudra (half spinal twist). Check 'em out right here.
Yoga ain't just for the ladies
Gents, don't feel left out. An equivalent study led by Dr. Vikas Dhikav - a neurologist at the Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital in New Delhi, India - found that a 12-week yoga program boosted the sexual satisfaction of men. The researchers measured improvements in male sexual satisfaction across aspects like desire, intercourse satisfaction, performance, and orgasm.
A comparative trial by the same crew of scientists also found that yoga serves as a drug-free treatment for premature ejaculation. It included 15 yoga poses, including Kapalbhati (breathing exercises) and dhanurasana (the "bow pose").
How does yoga get yer motor runnin'?
So, how does yoga stoke yer sexual fires? A review of the latest literature by researchers at the University of British Columbia's Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology helps clear things up.
Researchers like Dr. Lori Brotto explain that yoga calms the mind, lowers anxiety, and chills out yer body. And all these effects get linked to hotter sexual response. Plus, there's the psychological angle. Ladies who practice yoga are less likely to browse themselves as body parts, developin' a better understanding of themselves and their desires.
The power of the moola bandha
Stories of unlockin' energy in root chakras and movin' kundalini energy up the spine for ejaculation-free male orgasms might a bit short on solid scientific proof. But other yogic ideas could make more sense to ol' skeptics like us.
Moola bandha, for instance, is one such concept. This pelvic muscle contraction could stimulate the relevant nerves and rejuvenate yer gonads. Some studies suggest it alleviates menstrual pain, childbirth pain, and sexual difficulties in women, and controls testosterone secretion in men.
The evidence: shiny, but scarce
While the thought of yoga boostin' yer bedroom adventures might stir ya up a bit, it's worth keepin' in mind that hard evidence is scarce. Yes, the 'net's havin' a carnival of personal stories, but the studies backin' the benefits of yoga for sexual function still be semi-rare. Plus, most of 'em got small participants groups and didn't have a control group.
Still, research aimed at ladies with sexual dysfunction in addition to other conditions shows stronger evidence. For example, a study on women with metabolic syndrome found significant improvements in arousal and lubrication. And another trial lookin' at the sexual benefits of yoga for women livin' with multiple sclerosis showed that yoga techniques could enhance physical abilities and sexual satisfaction.
So, while we need more concrete evidence, the theory's definitely on the table. Until further research tells us if yogasms are a real thing, we figure it could be worth a try. Give it a shout and see if yer pelvic muscles start doin' a little happy dance.
- Yoga might enhance a woman's sexual function, according to a study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine, particularly for women over 45.
- Female participants in the study reported improved sexual function after 12 weeks of yoga practice, with 75% experiencing a definitive improvement.
- The study focused on 22 yoga poses believed to strengthen the core, aid digestion, fortify the pelvic floor, and lift the mood.
- A study led by Dr. Vikas Dhikav found that a 12-week yoga program increased the sexual satisfaction of men.
- Yoga serves as a drug-free treatment for premature ejaculation according to another comparative trial by the same scientists.
- Yoga's calming effect on the mind, reduction of anxiety, and rejuvenation of the body could contribute to enhanced sexual response.
- Psychologically, women who practice yoga are less likely to objectify themselves and have a better understanding of their desires.
- Moola bandha, a pelvic muscle contraction in yoga, might stimulate the relevant nerves and rejuvenate the gonads.
- While evidence is somewhat scarce, the benefits of yoga for sexual function show promise, particularly for women with sexual dysfunction or other conditions.
